Search Dictionary
Definition of inquire

inquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪ.ɚ/
(UK: enquire)
in · quire
Adverb:inquisitively
•
Adjective:inquisitive
•
Past Simple:inquired
•
Past Participle:inquired
•
Present Participle:inquiring
JUMP TO:

inquire Lexical Profile

inquire Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To ask for information from someone.

Example

"She called the admissions office to inquire about the application deadline."

2

To conduct a formal or systematic investigation into a matter of public interest or concern.

Example

"An independent committee was appointed to inquire into the causes of the railway accident."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inquire
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inquire

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'inquire' and 'enquire' are largely interchangeable, American English strongly prefers 'inquire' for all uses, whereas British English often uses 'enquire' for general questions and reserves 'inquire' for formal or official investigations.

• Rhymes for inquire

• Nearby Words

inpatient
input
inquest
inquire
inquirer
inquiring
inquiringly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French enquerre, which was later reshaped after Latin inquirere ('to seek after, search into'), formed from in- ('into') and quaerere ('to ask, seek').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inquire. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inquire
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.